Words from AEO Powersports – Imaged by Michael Lindsay/Vital MX
AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team returned to Anaheim for Round 3 of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship. While the final results may not fully reflect the progress made throughout the weekend, the team took away several positives and valuable lessons. Improving qualifying remains a key focus to better position both Carson Mumford and Avery Long for stronger gate picks in the heat races. Additionally, getting more comfortable with the track layouts earlier in the day will be a major benefit moving forward. With Anaheim 2 now in the books, the team’s attention shifts to Houston for Round 4, which marks the first Triple Crown event of the season and a demanding weekend of racing.
Qualifying
Carson Mumford: 14th – 1:04.306
Avery Long: 17th – 1:04.611
Carson Mumford
Carson Mumford showed consistency during qualifying, improving his lap time in the second session. He lined up for Heat Race 1, which proved to be the more competitive of the two heat races. Getting a strong start, Mumford exited the gate in fifth place and maintained his position throughout the race. He capped off the heat by posting his fastest lap of the evening on the final lap with a 1:02.840.
In the Main Event, Mumford demonstrated true grit and determination. Despite the team’s goal of consistently running closer to the top five, he delivered an impressive charge through the field. Mumford was involved in a first-turn crash at the start, and before remounting his own bike, he selflessly assisted teammate Avery Long, whose motorcycle had pinned him underneath. Mumford completed the opening lap in 18th place and immediately began working his way forward. On lap five, he recorded his fastest lap of the main event while advancing into 11th position. His push continued as he broke into the top ten and kept charging, reaching eighth place by lap 15. Mumford’s effort earned him the Hard Charger honors of the main event after gaining 11 positions.
Avery Long
Avery Long lined up in Heat Race 2 and did not get the start he was hoping for, finding himself shuffled back outside the top ten on the opening lap. Aware that he needed to make passes to avoid the LCQ, Long responded by moving forward throughout the race. By lap six, he had advanced into ninth position while posting his fastest lap time of 1:05.078.
In the Main Event, Long suffered unfortunate luck with a first-turn crash that left him coming around the opening lap in 20th place. He was pinned underneath his bike at the start and struggled to regain momentum after the incident. Despite pushing to find his rhythm, Long was unable to fully settle into his pace. He continued to fight and worked his way up to 17th position by lap 12, where he would ultimately finish the race
Results
Avery Long
Race Result: 17th
Carson Mumford
Race Result: 8th
